A protest was held outside John Leopold’s office Monday afternoon. This comes as the court case against the county executive moves forward.

Retired Howard County Judge Dennis Sweeney has been tagged to hear the tawdry charges against Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold. He’s the same judge who presided over the corruption case for former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Meanwhile, calls for Leopold to step down are getting louder.

“We going from Watergate, we down here in Annapolis at Arundelgate,” said protester Robert Eades.

Protesters gathered Monday outside the county government building to send a clear message to Leopold.

“There’s so many jaw-dropping allegations. I don’t know what one you should start with,” said protester Joanna Hanes-Lahr.

An indictment alleges Leopold used his security detail to drive him to sexual encounters in public parking lots and to spy on his political opponents.

“All the other counties and states around us, when they come to do business here in Annapolis, you think they’re going to take him serious?” Eades said.

The county executive says he has no plans to resign and will fight these charges against him.

“Once the citizens hear both sides of the story, they will have a complete and full understanding of this case,” Leopold said.

Police and fire unions have called on Leopold and their own leaders to step down.

“The chief of police knew this was going on and the chief of police did not support or defend his own men,” said Lewis Bracy, who organized the protest.

The county executive looks forward to his day in court. We may soon know more about when that day will be. Lawyers are expected to meet with the judge to set a timeline for the case.

Leopold is charged with four counts of misconduct in office and one count of misappropriation of funds.